Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes
Here are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs for August that you can sing and enjoy! We’ve got a full lineup: songs that capture the fun of summer, tunes about tasty foods you’ll crave in the heat, and songs perfect for August events.
We also introduce tracks you can enjoy with fingerplays and dances, so try using them for indoor play during the sweltering summer or for activities in childcare settings.
Many are classic summer songs that have been passed down for generations, making them perfect for family time at home as well.
Teach children summer songs and enjoy a delightful time together while reminiscing about the past!
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[Nursery Rhymes to Sing in August] Summer-Friendly Children’s Songs & Hand-Play Songs (71–80)
Shiritori SongSakushi: Yokobue Tarō / Sakkyoku: Kanenaga Shirō
This is a song that turns shiritori—a word game enjoyed by children and adults—into music.
The lyrics follow the rules of shiritori, so you can listen while imagining the next word.
This time, the theme is focused on “summer,” and choosing a theme to sing with makes it a fun play song.
It’s arranged for a round, so it would be great to master the piano accompaniment and sing along.
The Banana That Flew Awaysakushi: kataoka akira/sakkyoku: sakurai jun
This song is a memorable piece with a Latin rhythm despite being a children’s song, and it was featured on NHK’s music program “Uta no Ehon” in 1962.
The percussion gives it a tropical feel, doesn’t it? There are many scenes where someone slips on a banana peel, and since bananas are a slippery fruit, the lyrics playfully use that trait to have the banana appear in various settings.
The way the scenes unfold feels like reading a picture book.
The shout at the end of the song is fun and easy to remember.
tomatoSakushi: Shōji Takeshi／Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi
Plenty of delicious vegetables come in the hot summer! Many children tend vegetable gardens at their kindergarten or nursery, or grow them in pots at home, don’t they? Speaking of classic summer vegetables, tomatoes come to mind.
The song “Tomato” focuses on the word that reads the same from top to bottom and bottom to top.
A string that reads the same forward and backward is called a palindrome, and this song might be a great way for children to discover how fun palindromes can be!
Elephant’s hatSakushi: Endo Kozo / Sakkyoku: Nakamura Hiroaki
In the sunny summer, a hat is essential—but did you know that August 10 is designated as “Hat Day” in Japan because the numbers 8-10 can be read as ha-tto (hat)? Speaking of hats, a classic children’s song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” is “Zō-san no Bōshi” (Elephant’s Hat).
Its playful lyrics, where various animals climb into the elephant’s big hat, always delight little children.
Let’s dance, Ondo!
This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.
The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.
The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.
With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.
The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.
A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.
Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.
Tanuki Lord’s Ondo
“Tanuki no Tonosama Ondo” is a playful ondo that portrays the cheerful world of tanuki.
The song weaves in humorous scenes, inviting dancers to move as if enjoying a story.
Its tempo is calm yet easy to follow, making it perfect for Bon Odori.
The vocals are gentle, creating a soothing atmosphere that children can sing along to with ease.
Traditional Japanese instruments envelop the piece, giving it a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
The choreography—like handclaps and the tanuki’s tummy-patting—makes movements easy to express, welcoming participants of all ages.
This song, which lets you experience the tanuki’s delightful tale through music and dance, will color a memorable moment of summer.
Penguin-chanSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao
This is a song featuring a penguin with a distinctly cool, refreshing image as the main character.
The tones evoke a sense of chill, and the vocalist’s voice also feels pleasantly cool.
It can be performed with instruments familiar to children, such as the glockenspiel and the guiro, allowing listeners to appreciate the interesting timbres.
It’s the perfect Antarctic “chilly-chill” song for cooling down on hot summer days.